UFC: The Top 5 Guys To Watch Out for the Remainder of 2011

2011 has started off as a good year for MMA. People aren't the happiest about Zuffa's latest purchase, but to an extent it may be a good thing. In this article, I'm going to show you the top five guys to keep an eye on in 2011 that most people have never heard of. Some of these people have been heard of, but fans who normally just watch UFC and Strikeforce most likely have never heard of them. So, let's get started.

5. Dave "Pee Wee" Herman

Dave is 6'4" and 240lbs. He fights out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and trains with Team Lloyd Irvin. His overall MMA record is 20-2 (1 of the losses came by dq). With notable victories over Jim York, Don Frye, and Ron Waterman, this young prospect is a very well rounded fighter, and has recently signed with the UFC. He will make his promotional debut at UFC 131 against Rob Broughton. Keep an eye on this guy, because he has the tools to defeat alot of fighters in the UFC heavyweight division.

4. Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier

At 5'9" 145 pounds, Dustin Poirier shook up the Featherweight division when he dominated former number one contender Josh Grispi in his featherweight debut. His record is 9-1, and he trains at Gladiator LA, under Tim Credeur. He will meet Rani Yahya at UFC 131 in June. At the rate he is going, he could easily be in the picture for a title shot by year's end. Definitely keep an eye on him.

3. Alexander "The Mauler" Gustaffson

Training out of Alliance MMA, Gustaffson is a clear up and comer. His record is 11-1, and he is on the rise to the top. He needs two big wins to be in the top 10-15 of the division, but at the rate he is going that won't be a problem.

2. Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis

A very accomplished wrestler from Penn St., Phil Davis has absolutely ran through all of his competition so far in the UFC. His record is 8-0 and he meets Antonio Rogerio Noguiera in late March. A win over Lil Nog will shoot him into the top 10 of the division and also enable him to get tougher fights. Davis is about 4-5 fights away from the title picture, but at the rate he is going he'll be just fine.

1. Tie

At UFC 130, Demetrious Johnson will face Renan do Nascimento Mota Pegado (Renan Barao). Both men have been impressive as of late, Renan will be making his debut at 130, but has had two previous fights in the WEC. Demetrious, is remembered for defeating Kid Yammamoto just months ago. 

Renan has a record of 25-1 1NC. His loss was in his MMA debut. Very dominant fighter, and is very well rounded. 

Johnson is 9-1, is a wrestler who is on the rise. He trains at AMC and is truly part of the future of the sport.

The reason this is a tie is because these are both two very good up and comers, and could truly make a run at the belt. The winner is one step closer, while the loser will have to work a little bit harder to rise to the top. This fight has potential to be the fight of the year, and in my opinion is one of the best decisions Joe Silva has ever made.